The search for survivors of a bridge collapse continued into the night in the northwestern Italian city of Genoa, as citizens began to mourn the victims and calls for an investigation grew louder.

A 200-metre section of the Morandi bridge, part of a toll highway that was one of the main arteries into the port city, collapsed at about 12 pm local time yesterday, taking down with it at least 30 to 35 cars and three lorries that had been crossing the bridge at the time, according to Italian news agency Ansa.

At least 35 people had been reported dead, including a 10-year-old.

Five of the injured were in serious condition.

The death toll is expected to rise as rescuers are still searching for bodies and survivors amid the rubble.